Multifunctional beverage receptacle

ABSTRACT

A beverage receptacle having a) a base; b) a side wall projecting from the base, wherein the side wall defines: (i) a chamber portion where the side wall circumscribes the perimeter of the base; (ii) an elliptical rim portion where the side wall terminates in a rim opposite the base (iii) an elliptical neck portion intermediate the rim portion and the chamber portion, wherein the neck portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than the rim portion at the rim; c) at least one lip interfaces integrated into the rim portion and part of the side wall, wherein the user lip interface includes: (i) a terminus of the rim; and (ii) a slope section extending away from the longitudinal axis; and wherein the rim portion, including the user lip interface, is adapted for a user to consume the liquid beverage while the user is in a reclined position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 62/486,081 filed Apr. 17, 2017 and U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 62/587,944 filed November 17, 2017, the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In general, the present teachings relate to a receptacle defining achamber portion adapted for receiving a liquid beverage. Moreparticularly, the present teachings relate to a liquid beveragecontainer that allows a user to consume the liquid beverage containedtherein while the user is in a reclined position.

BACKGROUND

Traditional drinking glasses and coffee mugs are used by consumers everyday. These glasses and mugs are often used during a time of relaxation,such as to begin the day with a caffeinated beverage, to enjoy a beerduring a televised sporting event, or to relax outside on a nice day.During these situations, among others, the user may be in a reclinedposition, such as in a reclining arm chair or lounge chair, or whilelaying on a couch, supported by a pillow. However, this relaxation isinterrupted every time the user wishes to take a sip of his or herbeverage, since the user must sit up to drink to avoid spilling thebeverage on himself or herself.

When traditional mugs or drinking glasses are relatively full, the userdoes not have to tilt the mug or glass much before the liquid begins toflow out of the cup. Tilting the mug or glass too much (e.g., greaterthan as low as about 10 degrees from a vertical axis) when full willresult in the liquid spilling or the beverage splashing past the user'slips and onto the user's nose, face, or clothes. When this beverage ishot, such as coffee, this can cause burns or damage to clothing. Asthese traditional cups have a uniform rim upon which a user puts his orher lips, the liquid is not necessarily guided into the user's mouth.The fluid may be distributed along a portion of the rim that may exceedthe width of the user's mouth, thereby causing the liquid to spill outonto the user's face, body, or his or her clothing.

In addition, bedridden or hospitalized patients are unable to drink fromthese traditional drinking glasses mugs from a reclined position.Instead, these patients are typically given cups with a lid having amouth opening, a straw inserted into the cup, or a combination of a lidand straw. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,915,355; 4,955,503; 7,975,868;9,027,774 and US Patent Application No. 2016/0309931 teaching beveragereceptacles utilizing lids and straws to allow for consumption withoutspilling while reclined. However, these types of drinking receptaclesare either disposable, thereby creating waste, or reusable but difficultto clean. These types of drinking receptacles tend to have inefficientgeometries, causing a need for a large amount of material and attendantlarge surface areas that provide increased heat transfer surfaces. Thus,warm drinks cool relatively quickly and cold drinks warm relativelyquickly. In addition, when hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, areconsumed with a straw, this increases the risk of a user burning his orher tongue or mouth. In addition to bed-ridden patients or individualsresting in a reclined position, cups with lids and/or straws are used ina number of settings to prevent spilling. Individuals who may typicallybenefit from a cup with a lid and/or straw include childrentransitioning from a training cup, individuals with limited hand-eyecoordination, individuals going through therapy for dexterity,individuals with tremors, individuals with a degenerative diseaseimpacting tissues, organs, or bones, and the like. The presence of a lidmay block how much of an aroma of the liquid is smelled by a user andthus reduce the olfactory priming prior to consumption. Additionally,consuming the liquid via a small opening of a lid or through a straw maylimit the ability of the user to appreciate the taste of the liquid, asthe opening or straw may direct the liquid in a narrow stream furtherinto a user's mouth which is not dispersed among a majority of the tastebuds of the user's tongue.

In an effort to address some of these issues, beverage receptacleshaving fluid diverters (e.g., spouts) have been created to allowdrinking in a reclined position. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 632,687;4,235,348; 5,845,807; 7,080,752; Alternatively, an inward depressionwithin a side wall of a beverage receptacle, such as that taught in U.S.Pat. No. 1,651,485, has also tried to resolve the issue of spillingwhile consuming a liquid while an individual is lying down. Some ofthese fluid diverters include vertical sidewalls about the rim at thelip interface, such that they are uncomfortable in a mouth of a user.Some of the spouts are at an angle relative to the vessel such that auser's nose is directed away from the interior and the aromas of thebeverage are not directed to the user, thus reducing the sensoryexperience and interaction between taste and smell. Some of the vesselshave a continuously angled sidewall from the base to the spout, thussignificantly reducing the interior volume of the receptacle forretaining a beverage. Some of these vessels have a larger rim peripherythan chamber periphery, such that the aromas of the beverage are spreadover a wide surface area and dissipate quickly into the ambient air.Other fluid containers, such as pitchers and measuring cups, commonlyutilize spouts to deliver the fluid within the fluid container toanother container. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,487,486; 8,813,563 andD700,797. These spouts typically have a general V-shape cross-sectionwhich is beneficial for precision in pouring from one container toanother but are not effective at mating with the curvature of a user'slips.

Other beverage receptacles address consumption while a user is in areclined position or suffering from dysphagia by removing the rim as abarrier of the bridge of the nose. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,354incorporates a nose bridge receptacle between two eye channels. Further,cups like those in US Patent Application No. 2001/0004080, 2006/0124718,2007/0062961, 2013/0313271 have a cut-out in the rim adapted to fitaround the nose. The nasal cut-outs in the beverage receptacles mayprevent the use of the receptacle being used ambidextrously as thecut-out is adapted for the nose while the opposing portion of the rim isadapted for the lip. Additionally, the nasal cut-outs or channels mayreduce the volume able to be contained within the receptacle.

Notwithstanding the above, there is still a need for a beveragereceptacle able to be used in a reclined position, which controls theflow of beverage into the user's mouth to prevent spilling while havinga comfortable lip interface and allowing the user to enjoy both thetaste and smell during consumption.

What is needed is a beverage receptacle which may be used by anindividual in a reclining position while avoiding lifting of the head ormay have dysphagia and tilts the head backward for consuming thebeverage. What is needed is a beverage receptacle which may be used myindividuals who struggle with mobility issues while allowing theindividual to effectively control the flow of liquid into the user'smouth. What is needed is a beverage receptacle which is able toconcentrate the aromas for an improved sensory experience between tasteand smell. What is needed is a beverage receptacle which does not have arim interfering with the user's nose (e.g., nose bridge) when tiltingthe receptacle for consumption but yet allows the nose to receive thearomas of the liquid within the beverage receptacle. What is needed is abeverage receptacle which is able to be used ambidextrously while alsoallowing a user's hands to be distanced from a side wall of thereceptacle, such as when the liquid is the receptacle is hot or cold.

SUMMARY

The present teachings make use of a simple, yet elegant, constructionapproach by which relatively few components can be employed forconstructing a beverage receptacle that allows a user to control theflow of his or her beverage and/or drink from the receptacle while in areclined position.

The teachings generally contemplate an receptacle including a basehaving a perimeter and a side wall projecting from the base andcircumscribing the perimeter of the base for defining a chamber portionthat receives a liquid beverage. The receptacle may include a rimportion, which may define an opening through which the liquid beverageis introduced or expelled. The rim portion may include at least one userlip interface. A neck portion may join the rim portion and the chamberportion. A terminus of the rim portion at the user lip interface mayextend radially beyond the side wall defining the chamber portion. Therim portion including the user lip interface may be configured for auser consuming the liquid beverage while the user is in a reclinedposition.

The teachings also relate to an receptacle including (a) a base having aperimeter; (b) a side wall projecting from the base, wherein the sidewall defines: (i) a chamber portion where the side wall circumscribesthe perimeter of the base and includes a hollow interior adapted toreceive a liquid beverage, and wherein the side wall adjacent to thebase is substantially circular; (ii) a rim portion where the side wallterminates in a rim opposite the base and defines an opening alignedwith the hollow interior of the chamber portion, and wherein the sidewall in the rim portion has a substantially elliptical cross-section atthe rim. (iii) a neck portion joining the rim portion and the chamberportion, wherein the neck portion has a smaller cross-sectional areathan the rim portion at the rim; (c) two user lip interfaces opposingand substantially symmetrical to one another integrated into the rimportion and part of the side wall, wherein each user lip interfaceincludes: (i) a terminus of the rim; and (ii) a slope away from thelongitudinal axis configured to guide a liquid beverage to the terminusupon tilting of the beverage receptacle; wherein the surface geometry ofthe side wall from the terminus to the base is substantially sinusoidal;wherein the beverage receptacle is adapted for ambidextrous use; andwherein the rim portion, including the two user lip interfaces, isadapted for a user to consume the liquid beverage while the user is in areclined position.

The present teachings also include any combination of the followingfeatures: the receptacle may include a handle that projects outwardlyfrom the side wall and extends in a direction generally transverse tothe user lip interface extending radially beyond the side wall; thereceptacle may include at least two opposing user lip interfaces; thereceptacle may include a handle that projects outwardly away from theside wall and the handle may be located between two opposing user lipinterfaces; the base may be adapted to rest upon a horizontal surface;the rim portion may have a topography that varies in height around theperiphery of the rim portion; the topography of the rim portion may varyfor defining at least one peak and at least one valley; the height ofthe valley relative to the base may define a maximum fill of thereceptacle; the user lip interface may have a continuously curvedprofile; the user lip interface may have a generally constant radius ofcurvature; the user lip interface may have a varying radius ofcurvature; the chamber portion may have a height and a maximum width andthe ratio of the height to the maximum width may be about 1:1 to about3:1; the chamber portion may have a height and a maximum width and theratio of the height to the maximum width may be about 1:1 to about 2:1;the receptacle may have a maximum height from the base to a highestpoint, and the ratio of the maximum height of the receptacle to theheight of the valley (measured from the peak to the valley) may be about2:1 to about 8:1; the ratio of the maximum height of the receptacle tothe height of the valley may be about 3:1 to about 6:1; the receptaclemay have a maximum height from the base to a highest point and the rimportion may have a maximum width, and the ratio of the maximum height ofthe receptacle to the maximum width of the rim portion (e.g., fromterminus to terminus) may be about 1:1 to about 3:1; the ratio of themaximum height of the receptacle to the maximum width of the rim portionmay be about 1:1 to about 1.5:1; the chamber portion may have a volumeof about 200 mL to about 1000 mL; an outermost perimeter of the neckportion may be at least 10% less than a maximum outermost perimeter ofthe chamber portion; an outermost perimeter of the neck portion may beat least 20% less than a maximum outermost perimeter of the chamberportion; an outermost perimeter of the neck portion may be at least 30%less than a maximum outermost perimeter of the chamber portion; anoutermost perimeter of the neck portion may be at least 40% less than amaximum outermost perimeter of the chamber portion; an outermostperimeter of the neck portion may be at least 50% less than a maximumoutermost perimeter of the chamber portion; an outermost perimeter ofthe neck portion may be less than 100% less than a maximum outermostperimeter of the chamber portion; the handle may be joined to the sidewall proximate the valley; the valley may have a generally parabolicshape; the user lip interface may have a gradually tapering average wallthickness.

The present teachings also contemplate a method of drinking a beverageusing the beverage receptacle as described herein. The method mayinclude assuming a reclined position and tilting the receptacle to causethe liquid beverage to pass from the chamber portion to the user (e.g.,the user's mouth) by way of the user interface portion.

As can be seen, it is thus possible to realize a unique assembly (andassociated methods) that enables a person to control the flow of abeverage from the beverage receptacle and to consume a beverage from abeverage receptacle (e.g., one without a straw or a lid), even while ina reclined position.

The beverage receptacle may have one or more user lip interfaces whichangle away from the longitudinal axis, thus allowing the beveragereceptacle to be used in a reclined position or head tilted backposition. The one or more user lip interfaces may funnel and guide theflow of the liquid into a user's mouth, allowing for a controlled andnarrow flow (e.g., thinner than user's mouth) while being free ofspilling. One or more tapered portions of the beverage receptacle (e.g.,chamber portion or neck portion) may concentrate the aromas of theliquid within the beverage receptacle to provide for smell-priming priorto consumption, thus enhancing the taste and smell sensory experience ofthe user. Opposing user lip interfaces may provide a rim portion adaptedfor cooperating and receiving a user's nose while also providing aportion for contacting a user's lip. An angle of a surface of one ormore user lip interfaces may guide aromas toward a user's nose forimproved smell of the aromas. Opposing user lip interfaces may providefor ambidextrous use of the beverage receptacle. One or more handles mayprovide a means for holding the beverage receptacle while avoidingdirect contact with a side wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage receptacle according to theteachings herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a beverage receptacle of FIG. 1 being used by a userin a reclined position.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of the beverage receptacle ofFIG. 2 in a tilted in use position.

FIG. 3B is a top plan view of a close-up of the beverage receptacle ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear side view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front side view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of a beverage receptacle according to thepresent teachings along section A-A as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of a close up of the rim portion of FIG.8.

FIGS. 10A-10C are series of cross sections taken at different locationsof FIG. 7.

FIGS. 11A-11B are right side views of a second beverage receptacleembodiment.

FIG. 12 a front side view of a third beverage receptacle embodiment.

FIG. 13 is side view of a fourth beverage receptacle embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a rear side view of a beverage receptacle of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15A-15C are views of a prior art cup filled with a beverage; and

FIG. 16A-16B are views of an embodiment of the present beveragereceptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

In a very general sense, the teachings herein relate to an improvedassembly by which a user can drink a beverage while in a reclinedposition, without the need for a lid and/or a straw. The presentteachings pertain to a beverage receptacle having a base having aperimeter and a side wall projecting from the base and circumscribingthe perimeter of the base for defining a chamber portion that receives aliquid beverage. The beverage receptacle may include a rim portiondefining an opening into which the liquid beverage is introduced. Therim portion may include at least one user lip interface. A neck portionmay join the rim portion and the chamber portion. A terminus of the rimportion at the user lip interface may extend radially beyond the sidewall that defines the chamber portion. The rim portion including theuser lip interface may be configured for a user consuming the liquidbeverage while the user is in a reclined position. A user may be in areclined position when the user's head is at an angle of about 90degrees or less from a vertical axis (e.g., laying horizontal), about 70degrees or less, or about 60 degrees or less.

The beverage receptacle may be formed from any material capable of beingshaped to the desired shape. The beverage receptacle may be formed froma material capable of withstanding high temperatures, such astemperatures of hot liquids such as coffee or tea. The beveragereceptacle may be formed from a material capable of withstanding coldtemperatures, such as those of refrigerated or frozen beverages orbeverages having ice (e.g., cubes) therein. The beverage receptacle maybe formed from clay, porcelain, ceramic (e.g., bone china, stoneware,earthenware), glass, including strengthened glass, polymeric material,plastic, metal (e.g., enameled metal), steel, aluminum, the like, or acombination thereof. Disposable materials are also possible, such asexpanded and/or polymeric foam, such as extruded polystyrene foam. Thebeverage receptacle may be constructed using any traditional shapingmethods, such as by using a pottery wheel, by hand, firing (e.g., in akiln), molding, slip casting, or blowing (e.g., if glass), or acombination thereof. The beverage receptacle may be constructed usingmolding techniques, such as injection molding, rotational molding, orblow molding. The molds used may be multiple part reusable molds. Thebeverage receptacle may be constructed by drawing or hydroforming. Thebeverage receptacle may be formed from multiple materials using multiplemethods. For example, a portion of the beverage receptacle may be metal,while other portions may be polymeric or ceramic. The beveragereceptacle may be formed from multiple layers of material. For example,the chamber portion may be generally metallic on the interior, andpolymeric or ceramic on the exterior for retaining heat yet providing anattractive outer surface.

The beverage receptacle may have a total height HA, where the height ismeasured from the base to the highest point of the rim portion. Thetotal height may be about 70 mm or more, about 85 mm or more, or about100 mm or more. The total height may be about 210 mm or less, about 190mm or less, about 170 mm or less, 150 mm or less, about 130 mm or less,or about 125 mm or less. The beverage receptacle may have a wallthickness measured from a point on the outer wall of the beveragereceptacle to a directly opposing point on the inner wall of thebeverage receptacle. The beverage receptacle may have a uniform orvariably changing thickness (e.g., a tapered thickness). The thicknessof the wall may be generally constant throughout the entire beveragereceptacle. The thickness of the wall may vary throughout the beveragereceptacle. For example, at or toward the rim portion of the beveragereceptacle, the wall thickness may decrease. The wall thickness of thechamber portion may be greater than the rim portion, which may allow theheat of the beverage to be retained. The thickness of the wall at anypoint may be about 1 mm or more, about 2 mm or more, or about 3 mm ormore. The thickness of the wall at any point may be about 6 mm or less,about 5 mm or less, or about 4.5 mm or less. The beverage receptacle maybe generally symmetrical, where there is mirror symmetry along avertical plane through the center of the beverage receptacle and anyhandle. The beverage receptacle may be generally asymmetrical, wherevariations in the profile of the chamber portion or variations in therim portion (e.g., variations in opposing user lip interfaces) maycontribute to the asymmetry.

The beverage receptacle may include a base. A base may allow thebeverage receptacle to rest upon a horizontal (e.g., substantially flat)surface, such as a table. The base may be any shape that providessufficient support to the beverage receptacle to allow it to rest on ahorizontal surface and to avoid tipping over when filled with a liquidbeverage or other contents. The base may be compatible to reside withinan adapter. The perimeter of the base may have a shape having acontinuous curvature. The base, for example, may be generally circularor oval-shaped. The base may be generally square or generallyrectangular. The base may be generally symmetrical. The base may begenerally planar, non-planar, or a combination of both. Non-planar mayinclude concave (e.g., apex toward the chamber), convex (e.g., apex awayfrom the chamber), a rim projecting about a perimeter, or a combinationthereof. A concave based may function to reduce the interior of thechamber. A rim may allow base having a non-planar portion to sitgenerally flat on a surface. A rim may allow for glazing of a mug to beeasily wiped off the base while remaining on the side wall. The base maybe generally asymmetrical. The perimeter of the base may be a shapehaving one or more curved segments, one or more linear segments, one ormore angled portions, the like, or a combination thereof.

Extending upwardly from the base is one or more side walls. The one ormore side walls may cooperate with a base to define a chamber portion ofthe beverage receptacle, a neck portion, a rim portion, or anycombination thereof. The one or more side walls may function tocooperate with a base to receive and retain a liquid beverage. The sidewall may generally circumscribe the perimeter of the base and extendupwardly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the beveragereceptacle. A longitudinal axis may extend from the base toward theopening, rim, terminus, and/or rim portion; may extend generallyorthogonal relative to the base; may be concentric or centered with thebase, chamber portion, neck portion, opening, terminus, and/or rimportion; or a combination of both. The one or more side walls may have ahollow portion therein, such as the chamber portion. A side wall may beany suitable shape to allow one or more side walls and a base to form achamber portion of the beverage receptacle suitable for receive andretain a liquid beverage. One or more side walls may have one or moreneck portions, rim portions, rim, or termini formed therein. The sidewall may at least partially slope away from the base along at least aportion of a height of the beverage receptacle. The side wall may slopeaway from the base where the side wall is adjacent to the base. Slopingaway may also mean sloping away from the longitudinal axis. The sidewall may be free of a continuously inwardly-sloping wall from the rim tothe base. The one or more side walls may form a three-dimensional shapewhich is substantially similar to a cylinder, sphere, partial-sphere(e.g., bowl-shaped), cone (e.g., tulip-shaped, narrower width nearbase), cube, cuboid, pyramid, prism, bulb (e.g. having a round, widerportion, narrower near neck portion), or any combination thereof. Theside wall may have a cross-section taken by a transverse plane along anylength of the longitudinal axis. A transverse plane may perpendicularlyintersect one or more side walls and/or the longitudinal axis, may begenerally parallel with a base, or both. One or more cross-sections ofthe side wall may be generally circular, elliptical, ovular, square,rectangular, egg-shaped, or any combination thereof. The cross-sectionshape of the one or more side-walls may be the same along the entirelength of the beverage receptacle or may be different. For example, theside wall may transition from a substantially circular cross-section toa substantially elliptical cross-section. A substantially ellipticalcross-section may function to funnel flow of a liquid beverage along aninterior of a side wall toward a user lip interface, away from one ormore valleys, or both. For example, one or more vertices of asubstantially elliptical cross-section of the side wall may be alignedwith one or more termini of one or more user lip interfaces. Aligned maybe along a line or plane parallel with the longitudinal axis. Anelliptical shaped cross-section may have opposing vertices at ends ofthe longest interior length intersecting the longitudinal axis (e.g.,major axis) and opposing co-vertices at ends of the shorter interiorlength intersecting the longitudinal axis (e.g., minor axis). For anelliptical shaped cross-section, a length of a major axis may be about1.2 times greater, about 1.4 times greater, or even about 1.5 timesgreater than a length of a minor axis. For an elliptical shapedcross-section, a length of a major axis may be about 3 times less, about2.5 times less, about 2 times less, about 1.8 times less, or even about1.7 times less than a length of a minor axis.

The one or more side walls may be formed as a single, continuous wall,or a plurality of walls. For example, a single side wall may be moldedto form the general shape of the chamber with the base or a plurality ofside walls may be adhered to form a side wall. The side wall may be madeof two or more walls joined together to define the chamber portion. Forexample, four walls may be joined together to form a generallyrectangular cross-section of the chamber portion. In another example,two generally curved walls may be joined together to form a pointed ovalshape cross-section. The cross-section of the chamber portion may takethe shape of a capital D. Different shapes may be observed at differentcross-sectional cuts of the side wall. For example, closer to the baseof the beverage receptacle, the cross-section may be generally round(e.g., circular). Closer to the top of the chamber portion, thecross-section may be generally oval or ellipse shaped. For example,adjacent to the base, the one or more side walls may have asubstantially circular cross-section and transition to a substantiallyelliptical cross-section about midway along a height of the chamberportion. A portion of the cross section may include a generallyparabolic geometry. The perimeter of the side wall may be generallyconstant. The perimeter of the side wall may vary along the height ofthe side wall. The perimeter of the side wall may be smaller or equal ata neck portion than any other width from the chamber portion to the neckportion.

Moving from base to rim (e.g., along a length of the longitudinal axis),the outer surface geometry may have one or a combination of geometries.For example, the outer surface of the one or more side walls may begenerally flat. The outer surface of the one or more side walls may begenerally curved. The outer surface of the one or more side walls mayhave one or more generally flat segments. The outer surface of the oneor more side walls may have one or more angled portions. The outersurface of the one or more side walls may have a generally sinusoidalshape.

The outer surface may have one or more features for allowing a user tograsp the beverage receptacle (e.g., grooves for fingers). The outersurface may have one or more ribs, grooves, or textures (e.g., forallowing a user to grip the beverage receptacle). The one or more sidewalls may be generally symmetric (e.g., there may be mirror symmetryalong a vertical plane or the longitudinal axis through the center ofthe beverage receptacle). The one or more side walls may be generallyasymmetric, where there is not mirror symmetry along a vertical plane orthe longitudinal axis through the center of the beverage receptacle. Forexample, the one or more side walls defining the chamber portion mayhave a profile (e.g., when viewed from the front or from a side of thebeverage receptacle) that is shaped like a capital D, where a portion ofthe side wall is generally flat and a portion is generally curved.

The width of the side wall may be generally constant, where width ismeasured from one point on an outer surface of the side wall to thedirectly opposing point of the outer surface of the side wall (e.g.,when viewed from the front along a transverse cross-section (e.g., ahorizontal cross-section)). The width of the side wall may be equal tothe diameter of side wall defining the chamber portion (e.g., if thecross-section is generally circular). The width of the side wall may begenerally varied along the length of the side wall. For example, theside wall, as it extends upwardly from the base, may increase in width.The width, as the side wall approaches the top of the chamber portion,may decrease. The side wall may have a generally bulbous profile (e.g.,when viewed from the front or a side), where the maximum width and/ormaximum perimeter is located at or near the base. The maximum width ofthe chamber portion (measured from the outer surface of the side wall tothe opposing outer surface of the side wall) may be about 50 mm or more,about 60 mm or more, or about 70 mm or more. The maximum width of thechamber portion may be about 120 mm or less, about 100 mm or less, orabout 90 mm or less.

The height of the side wall defining the chamber portion, measured fromthe base of the beverage receptacle to the neck portion of the beveragereceptacle, may depend upon the desired volume of the chamber portiondefined by the side wall. The height of the side wall may determine themaximum fill of the beverage receptacle with a fluid. The height of theside wall defining the chamber portion may be about 60 mm or more, about70 mm or more, or about 80 mm or more. The height of the side walldefining the chamber portion may be about 140 mm or less, about 130 mmor less, or about 120 mm or less. By “maximum fill,” it will beappreciated that it refers to a fill to a maximum amount that is aheight (e.g., a fill line) that is below an amount that a user couldhandle the receptacle for transportation (e.g., by hand, by tray orboth) without a lid, and incidental shaking or vibration will not causedrips or spills. “Maximum fill” may also refer to a maximum about thatis a height of the fluid that allows the beverage receptacle to betilted for use resulting in flowing of the fluid from a user lipinterface while avoiding flowing over another portion of a rim. Forexample, for an 8 fluid ounce (or about 237 mL) container (e.g., aconventional coffee mug), the max fill line is from about 3 mm to about10 mm below the uppermost point of the rim.

The beverage receptacle includes a chamber portion. The chamber portionis suitable for receiving and retaining the liquid beverage pouredtherein. The chamber portion may be defined by a base and one or moreside walls. The chamber portion may be defined as a hollow portionlocated within the one or more side walls and encapsulated by the base.The chamber portion may be located between the base and a neck portion,rim portion, and/or terminus of the beverage receptacle. The chamberportion may have a three-dimensional shape which is substantiallysimilar to a cylinder, sphere, partial-sphere (e.g., bowl-shaped), cone(e.g., tulip-shaped, narrower width near base), cube, cuboid, pyramid,prism, bulb (e.g. having a round, wider portion, narrower near neckportion), or any combination thereof. The shape of the chamber portionmay cooperate with a neck portion and rim portion to enhance the flavorand aromatics of the liquid. For example, a bulbous chamber portion mayallow for retaining the volume of the beverage liquid, expose thearomas, and guiding the aromas toward a narrower neck portion forconcentration of the aromas. The chamber portion may be defined by oneor more side walls which angle away from the base, angle toward thebase, slope away from the longitudinal axis, slope toward thelongitudinal axis, angle toward a neck portion and/or rim portion, angleaway from a neck portion and/or rim portion, or any combination thereof.The chamber portion may have a cross-section taken by a transverse planealong any length of the longitudinal axis. A transverse plane mayperpendicularly intersect one or more side walls and/or the longitudinalaxis, may be generally parallel with a base, or both. One or morecross-sections of the chamber may be generally circular, elliptical,ovular, square, rectangular, egg-shaped, or any combination thereof. Thecross-section shape of the chamber portion may be the same along theentire length of the chamber portion or may be different. For example,the cross-section of the chamber portion immediately adjacent to thebase may be substantially circular and transition to substantiallyelliptical. The cross-section of the chamber portion may besubstantially circular for a certain portion of a height of the chamberportion from the base. The cross-section of the chamber portion may besubstantially circular for about 2% or greater, about 5% or greater, oreven about 10% or greater of a height of the chamber from the base. Thecross-section of the chamber portion may be substantially circular forabout 50% or less, about 40% or less, or even about 20% or less of aheight of the chamber portion from the base. The cross-section of thechamber portion may be substantially elliptical for a certain portion ofa height of the chamber portion from an open end of the chamber portion(e.g., where the chamber portion adjoins a neck portion). Thecross-section of the chamber portion may be substantially elliptical forabout 98% or less, about 95% or less, or even about 90% or less of aheight of the chamber portion. The cross-section of the chamber portionmay be substantially elliptical for about 80% or greater, about 60% orgreater, or even about 50% or greater. Substantially in respect to ageometrical shape may be the shape is approximately the definedgeometrical shape with only minor deviations. Minor deviations may beone or more portions fluctuating about +/−15% from ideal geometry indimensions or irregulates of a perimeter or surface. A substantiallyelliptical cross-section of a chamber portion may include opposingvertices and opposing co-vertices.

Vertices may be defined as the opposing ends of a longest width (e.g.,major axis) of the elliptical shape. Co-vertices may be defined as theopposing ends along the shorter width of the elliptical shape whichintersects through a center (e.g., minor axis). For an elliptical shapedcross-section, a length of a major axis may be about 1.2 times greater,about 1.4 times greater, or even about 1.5 times greater than a lengthof a minor axis. For an elliptical shaped cross-section, a length of amajor axis may be about 3 times less, about 2.5 times less, about 2times less, about 1.8 times less, or even about 1.7 times less than alength of a minor axis. Vertices of the elliptical cross-section may bealigned with or off-set from one or more lip interfaces, handles, orboth. In a plan view, one or more vertices may be substantially alignedwith one or more lip interfaces. For example, in one plan view, onevertex may be substantially aligned with one lip interface while in anopposing plan view an opposing vertex may be substantially aligned withan opposing lip interface.

One or more side walls of the chamber portion may be angled relative tothe longitudinal axis, transverse plane, or both to form one or moresurface geometries in the chamber portion. One or more side walls of thechamber may be parallel, perpendicular, or any angle therebetweenrelative to a longitudinal axis and/or transverse plane. One or moreside walls of the chamber portion may angle away from a longitudinalaxis at an angle of about 70 degrees or less, about 60 degrees or less,or even about 50 degrees or less. One or more side walls of the chamberportion may angle away from a longitudinal axis at an angle of about 5degrees or more, about 15 degrees or more, or even about 25 degrees ormore. For example, one or more side walls of the chamber portion mayangle away from a longitudinal axis adjacent to the base. One or moreside walls at the chamber portion may angle toward a longitudinal axisat an angle of about 5 degrees or greater, 7 degrees or greater, or evenabout 10 degrees or greater. One or more side walls at the chamberportion may angle toward the longitudinal axis at an angle of about 30degrees or less, 20 degrees or less, or even 15 degrees or less. One ormore side walls at the chamber portion may angle toward the longitudinalaxis while extending toward the neck and/or rim portion. One or moreside walls may angle away and toward the longitudinal axis. One or moreside walls of the chamber may have one or more contours such that theside wall changes angles relative to the longitudinal plane and/ortransverse plane along a height of the chamber portion. One or more sidewalls may have one or more contours such that along around a perimeter,a side wall may be angled equally or differently relative to thelongitudinal axis and/or longitudinal plane. For example, the one ormore side walls at a portion aligned with one or more lip interfaces mayangle away from and/or toward the longitudinal axis at an angle greaterthan the one or more side walls at a portion aligned with one or morevalleys. The angles may be more pronounced at portions which formopposing vertices of an elliptical and/or ovular cross-section of thechamber portion as opposed to opposing co-vertices or of a circularcross-section.

The chamber portion may have a volume of about 100 mL or more, about 200mL or more, or about 300 mL or more. The chamber portion may have avolume of about 1000 mL or less, about 700 mL or less, or about 500 mLor less. The volume may be achieved by forming a beverage receptaclehaving a particular ratio of height of the chamber portion to width ofthe chamber portion. The ratio may be about 1:1 to about 3:1. Forexample, the ratio may be about 1:1 to about 2:1.

The beverage receptacle may include a neck portion. The neck portion mayserve to join the chamber portion to the rim portion of the beveragereceptacle, concentrate the aroma of a liquid in the chamber portion,reduce a surface area of a liquid exposed to ambient temperatures toreduce a rate of heat transfer, funnel and/or guide a liquid toward alip interface, define a transition between the chamber portion and therim portion, or a combination thereof. The neck portion may have a shapesuitable limiting exposure of the liquid within the chamber portion toambient temperatures, such as at the exposed surface of the liquid. Theneck portion may have a shape suitable for concentrating an aroma of theliquid. The neck portion may have a shape suitable for transitioningfrom the chamber portion to the rim portion. The neck portion may definea transition between the chamber portion to the rim portion. The neckportion may be defined by a change in slope direction of one or moreside walls relative to a longitudinal axis, the base, a transverseplane, or a combination thereof. The neck portion may be defined whereone or more portions of one or more side walls transition from anglingtoward the longitudinal axis to away from the longitudinal axis. Theneck portion may have a cross-section that has one or more roundedsegments, one or more curved segments, one or more linear segments, oneor more angled segments, or a combination thereof.

A tangent line to a point of the surface of the neck portion may besubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beveragereceptacle. The tangent line may extend from the base to opening. Thepoint at which the tangent line is in contact may define the transitionfrom the chamber portion to the neck portion, may be at a lower heightof the beverage receptacle that a lowest point of one or more valleys,or both. The neck portion may have a cross-sectional shape with acontinuous curvature. The neck portion may have one or morecross-sections taken by a transverse plane along a length of thelongitudinal axis along a height of the neck portion. One or morecross-sections may have the same or different shape as one or morecross-sections of the chamber portion, rim portion, terminus, or anyportion thereof. One or more cross-sections of the neck portion may begenerally circular, elliptical, ovular, square, rectangular, egg-shaped,or any combination thereof. A cross-section shape of the neck portionmay be the same along the entire height of the neck portion or may bedifferent. A cross-section shape may be substantially the same as across-section shape as both an adjacent portion of the chamber portion,rim portion, or both. For example, the neck portion may have asubstantially elliptical shape or circular shape. The chamber portion,neck portion, and rim portion may form a generally hourglass shapeprofile (e.g., when viewed from the front), where the neck portion isthe narrowest part of the hourglass.

The neck portion may have an outer perimeter that is less than, equalto, or greater than a maximum outer perimeter, minimum outer perimeter,and/or average perimeter of the chamber portion. The neck portion mayhave an outer perimeter that is less than the average outer perimeter ofthe chamber portion. The neck portion may have an outer perimeter thatis less than the minimum outer perimeter of the chamber portion. Theneck portion may have an outer perimeter that is generally equal to themaximum outer perimeter, average outer perimeter, or minimum outerperimeter of the chamber portion. The neck portion may have one or morewidths (e.g., diameter if round, major and minor axis if an elliptical,etc). The neck portion may have a constant or varying width about theheight of the neck portion. A varying width of the neck portion may meanhaving a width which tapers, expands, or both. One or more widths may besmaller than, equal to, or larger than one or more widths of across-section of a chamber portion, rim portion, or any combinationthereof. For example, a neck portion having a substantiallyelliptical-shaped cross-section may have both a major axis width andminor axis width smaller than those of a chamber portion and rimportion. One or more widths may be the same or different from one ormore other widths at cross-section of the neck portion. For example, ina circle cross-section all widths may be substantially equal. Forexample, in an elliptical cross-section, a width at a major axis islarger than a width along a minor axis. The neck portion may have awidth (e.g., when viewed from the front) measured from one point on theouter surface of the neck portion to an opposing point on the opposingouter surface of the neck portion, about 40 mm or more, about 50 mm ormore, or about 60 mm or more. The width of the neck portion may be about100 mm or less, about 90 mm or less, or about 80 mm or less. The neckportion may have an outer perimeter that is at least about 10% less thanthe maximum perimeter of the chamber portion. The neck portion may havean outer perimeter that is at least about 20% less than the maximumperimeter of the chamber portion. The outer perimeter of the neckportion may be at least about 30% less than the maximum perimeter of thechamber portion. The outer perimeter of the neck portion may be at leastabout 40% less than the maximum perimeter of the chamber portion. Theouter perimeter of the neck portion may be at least about 50% less thanthe maximum perimeter of the chamber portion. The outer perimeter of theneck portion may be less than about 100% less than the maximum perimeterof the chamber portion.

An outer perimeter of the neck portion which is smaller than a maximumand/or average perimeter of the chamber portion may aid in funnelingand/or guiding the liquid residing within the chamber portion toward alip interface (e.g., upon tilting of the beverage receptacle). An outerperimeter of the neck portion which is smaller than the maximum and/oraverage perimeter of the chamber portion may concentrate the aroma ofthe liquid residing within the chamber portion. By concentrating thearoma, the neck portion may capture and enhance the aromas of thebeverage to lead to a higher sensory experience of the user. Forexample, by concentrating the aromas, a user may experience improvedsmell-priming (e.g., smelling the aroma prior to consumption andtasting).

The beverage receptacle includes a rim portion. The rim portion mayfunction as the drinking portion of the beverage receptacle, mayfacilitate drinking of the liquid beverage while enjoying concentratedaroma from a chamber and/or neck portion, or both. The rim portion maybe a portion of the beverage receptacle that extends upwardly along thelongitudinal axis away from the neck portion and/or chamber portion. Therim portion may be comprised of at least a portion of one or more sidewalls. For example, the rim portion may be one or more side walls fromthe neck portion to the terminus. The rim portion may define an openinginto which the liquid beverage can be received to be stored within thechamber portion. The opening in the rim portion may extend into theopening of the neck portion and/or chamber portion to form onecontinuous opening from the terminus to the base. The rim portion mayhave a cross section that has one or more generally curved segments, oneor more rounded segments, one or more linear segments, one or moreangular segments, or a combination thereof. The rim portion may have oneor more cross-sections taken by a transverse plane along a length of thelongitudinal axis along a height of the rim portion. One or morecross-sections may have the same or different shape as one or morecross-sections of the chamber portion, neck portion, terminus, or anyportion thereof. One or more cross-sections of the rim portion may begenerally circular, elliptical, ovular, square, rectangular, egg-shaped,or any combination thereof. A cross-section shape of the rim portion maybe the same along the entire height of the rim portion or may bedifferent. A cross-section shape may be substantially the same as across-section shape as both an adjacent portion of the chamber portion,neck portion, or both. For example, the rim portion may have asubstantially elliptical shape or circular shape.

The rim portion may have a constant or a varying cross-section sizeand/or shape along its entire height. For example, the cross-section ofthe rim portion adjacent the neck portion may be smaller (e.g., inperimeter and/or in width) than the cross-section of the rim portion atthe edge of the rim portion (e.g., at or near the terminuses of the userlip interface sections of the rim portion). The rim portion may have agenerally constant cross-section along all or some of its height. One ormore portions of the rim portion may be parallel, perpendicular, or anyangle therebetween relative to the longitudinal axis, transverse plane,base, or combination thereof. One or more portions of the rim portionmay angle toward and/or away the longitudinal axis, a transverse plane,a base, or any combination thereof. The rim portion extending from thechamber and/or neck portion toward a terminus may angle away from thelongitudinal axis. Angling away from the longitudinal axis may provide arim portion with a wider perimeter and/or one or more longer widths thana neck portion or a cross-section of the chamber portion. Angling awayfrom the longitudinal axis may facilitate drinking from the beveragereceptacle while allowing a user to enjoy the concentrated aromas fromthe neck portion and/or chamber portion. The rim portion may extend awayfrom a base, chamber portion, neck portion, or any combination thereofby forming an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of about 5 degreesor greater, about 10 degrees or greater, or even about 15 degrees orgreater. The rim portion may extend away from a base, chamber portion,beck portion, or any combination thereof by forming an angle relative tothe longitudinal axis of about 50 degrees or less, about 40 degrees orless, or even about 30 degrees or less. The rim portion may have aconstant topography, one or more valleys, one or more lip interfaces,one or more peak portions, one or more drip catch features, or anycombination thereof.

The rim portion may have a topography. The topography may function todirect the flow of the liquid from the chamber portion toward theterminus, control the rate of the flow toward the terminus, provide auser interface for the lips and/or nose of a user, provide a maximumfill of the beverage receptacle with a liquid, or any combinationthereof. The rim portion may have a topography that varies in heightaround the periphery of the rim portion. The topography may vary fordefining at least one peak (or possibly at least one pair of peaks) andat least one valley (or possibly at least on pair of valleys).

The rim portion may have one or more valleys. The valleys may functionto define a maximum fill, allow for a resting surface of a mixingutensil, distinguish a neck portion from a rim portion, facilitatemanufacturing of one or more peaks or user lip interfaces, or anycombination thereof. One or more valleys may be defined as one or moregrooves, notches, cuts, dips, or other absence of side wall in the rimportion. The one or more valleys may allow side wall material to be usedto form one or more user lip interfaces while avoiding too thin of wallsections, prevent creation of one or more weak spots, prevent wrinklingor crimping in a material of the side wall, or both. For example, if theside wall is formed by molding a ceramic the one or more valleys mayallow one or more lip user interfaces to angle away from thelongitudinal axis while avoiding thinning in the side wall material andcreation of a weak spot. The height of the valley relative to the basemay define the maximum fill of the beverage receptacle. The lowest pointof the valley at the terminus may be within the base portion, the neckportion, or the rim portion. The lowest point of the valley may be inthe rim portion adjacent the neck portion. An exterior surface of a sidewall adjacent to the lowest point of the valley may define thetransition from a rim portion to a neck portion. The one or more valleysmay have a general shape. The shape may describe viewing the valley at aplanar view of the beverage receptacle (e.g., side plan view). Thevalley may have a shape having one or more straight portions, curvedportions, intersecting portions, or any combination thereof. The valleymay be defined by a generally parabolic shape. The valley may have agenerally continuous curve. The valley may have one or more straightportions. The valley may be formed by intersecting straight portions(e.g., to form the shape of a V). The valley may have a shapesubstantially resembling the letter U, V, or C. A valley may besubstantially symmetrical at the lowest point of the valley. A valleymay be substantially symmetrical at a plane intersecting thelongitudinal axis and through the center of the valley. A valley may beuseful in providing a resting service for a mixing or eating utensil(e.g., spoon, mixing stick).

A user may leave a mixing utensil resting within the beverage receptacleand recline a handle of the utensil at the lowest point of the valley.The valley provides access to the utensil, allows a handle of theutensil to remain at least partially dry (e.g., untouched by the liquidbeverage or other fluid within the beverage receptacle), or both. Therim portion may include two or more valleys. The valleys may begenerally opposing. The two valleys which are opposing may besubstantially mirrored about a plane intersecting the longitudinal axisand one or more user lip interfaces (e.g., both opposing user lipinterfaces). A valley may be located on a same portion or a differingportion a side wall as a handle. A valley may be relatively aligned withhandle. For example, a center of a valley (e.g., the lowest and/orsymmetrical point) may be substantially aligned with the handle. Alignedmay mean a line substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis. In arim portion which is substantially elliptical, a center (e.g., lowestpoint) of a valley may be or aligned with (e.g., line parallel withlongitudinal axis) co-vertex of a minor axes. The valley may have aheight, measured from the highest point of a peak to the lowest point ofthe valley of about 10 mm or more, about 15 mm or more, or about 20 mmor more. The valley may have a height of about 60 mm or less, about 50mm or less, or about 40 mm or less. The ratio of the total height of thebeverage receptacle to the height of the valley may be about 2:1 toabout 8:1. For example, the ratio of total height of the receptacle tothe height of the valley may be about 3:1 to about 6:1.

The one or more peak portions may be defined by a terminus of the rimportion. The terminus may be the highest point of the beveragereceptacle. The terminus may be the outermost point of the rim portion,outermost point of the beverage receptacle, or both, where outermost isdefined as the furthest point radially extending from the longitudinalaxis of the beverage receptacle. In a rim portion have a substantiallyelliptical shape, a terminus may be a vertex along a major axis at theend of a sidewall.

The rim portion may include one or more user lip interfaces. The one ormore user lip interfaces may allow for guiding and funneling of acontrolled, narrow stream of fluid to a mouth of a user; allow forconsumption from the beverage receptacle while remaining in a reclinedposition; allow for a nose of the user to be proximate the concentratedaroma of the liquid beverage; or any combination thereof. The one ormore peak portions may be defined by a portion of a user lip interface(which may or may not be the terminus). The one or more user lipinterfaces may be formed from the same side wall as the rim portion,neck portion, and/or chamber portion. The rim portion may include one ormore user lip interfaces, where a user puts his or her lips whendrinking from the beverage receptacle. The user lip interface may have asurface for contacting a lower lip of the user. The user lip interfacemay have a surface for contacting an upper lip of a user. The user lipinterface may have surfaces for contacting both the upper lip and thelower lip of a user. The user lip interface may have a graduallytapering average wall thickness. The user lip interface may be definedas the region from the terminus to about 5 cm or less toward the neckportion of the beverage receptacle. The user lip interface may bereceived between the user's lips to allow the user to pour the liquidbeverage into his or her mouth without spilling, even if in a reclinedposition. The rim portion may include two or more user lip interfaces.For example, the rim portion may include two user lip interfaces,situated in generally opposing relation with each other. Opposing userlip interfaces may allow the beverage receptacle to be usedambidextrously with a handle. Opposing user lip interfaces may provideone user lip interface for being received within a user's lips and allowthe opposing user lip interface to receive a portion of a user's nose.By having the opposing user lip interface receive a nose, the nostrilsare not blocked from the aromas of the liquid beverage. An opposing userlip interface may help direct aromas from a neck portion upward to auser's nose. The angle of an opposing user lip interface may allow guidethe aromas upward to the user's nose. The angle of a surface of one ormore user lip interfaces may be any angle suitable for the rim portion.A user lip interface may extend away from a base, chamber portion, neckportion, or any combination thereof by forming an angle relative to thelongitudinal axis of about 5 degrees or greater, about 10 degrees orgreater, or even about 15 degrees or greater. The user lip portionportion may extend away from a base, chamber portion, beck portion, orany combination thereof by forming an angle relative to the longitudinalaxis of about 50 degrees or less, about 40 degrees or less, or evenabout 30 degrees or less.

The user lip interface may have varying angles (steeper or moregradual). The user lip interface may have extend away from thelongitudinal axis at a greater at the terminus than a surfaces adjacentto the terminus. The angle of the user lip interface may help guide theflow of the liquid to the user's mouth. The angle of the user lipinterface may help guide the flow of aromas toward a user's nose. Forexample, with opposing user lip interfaces, one user lip interface mayguide the flow of liquid to the user for consumption while the otheruser lip interface captures the aromas being dispersed and guides themtoward the user's nose for an improved sensory experience. The user lipinterfaces may extend upwardly (e.g., along the longitudinal axis awayfrom the base) and/or radially (e.g., generally transverse to thelongitudinal axis). A valley may be situated at a side wall between thetwo user lip interfaces. A second valley may be situated at a side wallbetween the user lip interfaces on the opposing side. The valleys mayhave the same dimensions or may have different dimensions (e.g., whereone valley dips lower than the other). One or more handles may besituated at a side wall between the two user lip interfaces.

The user lip interface may have one or more generally curved portions(e.g., the profile of the user lip interface(s) when the beveragereceptacle is viewed from the front, where the valley is centrallylocated and the user lip interface(s) extend radially). The profile ofthe user lip interface may be generally concave or generally convex. Theuser lip interface may be curved downward to fit around and/or generallymatch the shape of a user's bottom lip, the contour of a bridge of auser's nose, or both. The user lip interface may be continuously curved.The user lip interface may have a constant radius of curvature or avarying radius of curvature. A radius of curvature may be the radiusmeasured from an interior surface of the user lip interface, may betaken along a cross-section, or both. The cross-section for the radiusof curvature may be taken along a plane parallel to a plane intersectingthe longitudinal axis, intersecting the center of one or more valleyportions, intersecting the center of a handle, or a combination thereof.For example, the terminus may be the outermost point, and as the userlip interface continues toward the neck portion, the radius of curvaturemay be gradually increase or decrease. The largest radius of curvaturemay be at the outermost point (i.e., the terminus). The smallest radiusof curvature may be at the outermost point (i.e., terminus). The userlip interface may have one or more generally straight segments insteadof or in addition to the curved portions. The user lip interface may befree of substantially planar surfaces. The user lip interface may befree of a V-shape contour. The user lip interface may be free of aV-shape contour formed by substantially planar surfaces.

When the beverage receptacle is viewed from the top (i.e., looking intothe opening defined by the rim portion and into the cavity portion), theterminus of the rim portion and the immediately surrounding areas of theedge may form a generally curved shape. The user lip portion may have aradius at the terminus viewed from a top planar view. The top planarview may be a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis, parallel withthe base, or both. A radius at the terminus may be about 15 mm orgreater, about 20 mm or greater, or even about 30 mm or less. A radiusat the terminus may be about 65 mm or less, about 55 mm or less, or evenabout 40 mm or less. The radius may be half a length of the major axisof the rim portion is substantially elliptical-shaped, half a diameterif the rim portion is substantially circular, or the like. The terminusmay instead be a pointed shape, with generally linear segments extendingtoward the body of the beverage receptacle. The terminus may instead bea segment rather than a point.

A radius of curvature of one or more user lip interfaces may provide fora narrow flow of fluid for controlled dispensing and consumption by auser. The radius of the terminus may be adapted so that a radius of theliquid when tangent to the terminus is a smaller radius. The smallerradius provides for the narrow stream of fluid. The narrow stream offluid allows for a user to easily control the rate of flow of the liquidconsumed. The narrow stream at a controlled rate allows the user tocomfortably control the rate of swallowing the liquid and reduce thepossibility of swallowing too large of an amount of air. By reducing thepossibility of swallowing too much air, the risk of gas, abdominalbloating, belching, or other intestinal discomfort is reduced. A radiusof the liquid may be measured when the beverage receptacle is tilted.Tilting may mean the longitudinal axis is angled relative to a verticalaxis and the user lip interface is angled at substantially the samedegree.

A radius of the liquid may be measured when the liquid approaches aterminus, rim at a user lip interface, vertex of a rim portion, or acombination thereof. The radius of the liquid may be measured before theliquid flows over the terminus, rim, or both. The radius of the liquidmay be measured when a front edge of the liquid is tangent with theterminus. The radius of the liquid may be measures from the front edgeof the liquid tangent with the terminus and inward before the liquidflows over the terminus. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may beabout 3 mm or greater, about 5 mm or greater, or even about 15 mm orgreater. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may be about 30 mm orless, about 25 mm or less, or even about 20 mm or less. The radius ofthe liquid at the terminus may be about 3 mm or greater to about 30 mmor less. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may be about 5% toabout 75% of a radius of the side wall at the terminus. The radius ofthe liquid at the terminus may be about 5% or greater, about 10% orgreater, or even about 15% or greater of a radius of the side wall atthe terminus. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may be about 75%or less, about 70% or less, or even about 60% or less of a radius of theside wall at the terminus. The radius of the liquid at the terminus mayremain substantially constant each time the beverage receptacle istilted from vertical (e.g., repeated tilting for sipping duringconsumption). The radius of the liquid at the terminus may remainsubstantially constant while at least a portion chamber volume capacityis consumed. The radius of the liquid at the terminus may remainsubstantially constant while at least about 30% or greater, 35% orgreater, or even about 40% or greater of a chamber portion volumecapacity is consumed. The radius of the liquid at the terminus mayremain substantially constant while at least about 70% or less, about65% or less, or even about 60% or less of a chamber portion volumecapacity is consumed. Substantially constant may be defined as +/−15%fluctuation in radius length.

The rim portion may have a height, measured from the end of the rimportion to the highest point of the rim portion (e.g., a terminus of theuser lip interface), of about 10 mm or more, about 20 mm or more, orabout 25 mm or more. The rim portion may have a height of about 60 mm orless, about 50 mm or less, or about 40 mm or less. The rim portion mayhave a maximum width (e.g., from the terminus of one user lip interfaceto the terminus of the opposing user lip interface) of about 50 mm ormore, about 60 mm or more, about 70 mm or more, or about 80 mm or more.The rim portion may have a maximum width of about 150 mm or less, about130 mm or less, or about 110 mm or less. The maximum width of the rimportion may be greater than the width of the neck portion, the maximumwidth of the chamber portion, or both. The maximum width of the rimportion may be smaller than or equal to a maximum width of the chamberportion. The measurement from the terminus of one user lip interface toan opposing terminus of the opposing user lip interface may be thewidest portion of the beverage receptacle. The measurement from theterminus of one user lip interface to an opposing terminus of theopposing user lip interface may be equal to another widest portion ofthe beverage receptacle (e.g., major axis width of chamber portion atwidest portion). The ratio of total height of the beverage receptacle tothe maximum width of the rim portion may be about 1:1 to about 3:1. Forexample, the ratio of total height of the beverage receptacle to themaximum width of the rim portion may be about 1:1 to about 1.5:1.

The rim portion may include one or more drip catch features. The one ormore drip catch features may function to direct any fluid remaining nearthe rim, terminus, back toward a hollow interior of the beveragereceptacle, along an interior of a side wall, or both to preventdripping over a rim to an exterior surface of the side wall orelsewhere. The one or more drip catch features may be located in a sidewall, in an interior of a side wall, adjacent to a terminus, adjacent tothe rim of the rim portion, in the rim portion, or any combinationthereof. The one or more drip catch features may be any shape suitablefor redirecting the liquid upon tilting back to the vertical axis afterconsuming from the beverage receptacle. The one or more drip catchfeatures may be a groove or indent within the side wall. The one or moredrip catch features may be a thinner portion of the side wall. The oneor more drip catch features may include a groove, indentation, notch,change in slope, the like, or any combination thereof.

The beverage receptacle may include one or more handles. The one or morehandles may provide a handling feature for the mug, allow handling of awarm mug while avoiding direct contact of a user with a warm side wall,or both. The beverage receptacle may include two handles on opposingsides of the beverage receptacle. The beverage receptacle may be free ofhandles. The handle may be attached to and extend from the side walldefining the chamber portion. The handle may be extend in a directiongenerally transverse to the direction of extension of a user lipinterface. The direction of extension of the handle away from the sidewall and the direction of extension of a user lip interface may be about45 degrees or more, about 60 degrees or more, or about 80 degrees ormore. The direction of extension of the handle away from the side walland the direction of extension of a user lip interface may be about 135degrees or less, about 120 degrees or less, or about 110 degrees orless. For example, the angle may be about 90 degrees±about 5 degrees.

The handle may have a lower attachment portion that attaches adjacent toor near the base of the beverage receptacle. The lower attachmentportion may be located about 1 mm or higher from the base, about 2 mm orhigher, or about 3 mm or higher. The lower attachment portion may belocated about 20 mm or less from the base, about 10 mm or less from thebase, or about 5 mm or less from the base.

The handle may have an upper attachment portion that attaches to thebody of the beverage receptacle above the lower attachment portion. Theupper attachment portion may be located at or adjacent to a valley ofthe rim portion. The upper attachment portion may be about 10 mm or lessfrom the edge of the rim above it; about 5 mm or less from the edge ofthe rim above it, or about 2 mm or less from the edge of the rim aboveit. The edge of the rim may be the lowest point of a valley. The highestpoint of the handle (e.g., if the handle extends upwardly from the upperattachment portion before extending back toward the base of the beveragereceptacle) may extend higher than the lowest point of the valley.

The handle may have any shape that allows a user to grasp the handle androtate the beverage receptacle to dispense the liquid beverage into hisor her mouth. The handle may be generally rounded, curved, arcuate, or acombination thereof. The handle may have one or more generally straightsegments. The handle may have a continuous curvature, such as agenerally semi-circular or partial oval shape. The handle may have acombination of curved and straight segments. For example, the handle mayhave a generally half-heart shape, where the top portion is curved andthe bottom portion is more straight. The handle may have generallymirror symmetry along a horizontal plane through the center of thehandle. The handle may be generally asymmetrical.

The beverage receptacle may receive a lid. A lid may function to preventsplashing of a liquid within the beverage receptacle during movement ofthe beverage receptacle (e.g., walking, during transportation in avehicle). The lid may be disposed within the rim portion, neck portion,chamber portion, or combination thereof. The lid may include one or morecontours or openings for allowing liquid to pass past the lid to a userfor consumption. The lid may include one or more contours adapted to beplaced in line with one or more user lip interfaces. One or morecontours may be any shape in a periphery of the lid which keeps aportion of periphery out of contact with an interior of a side wall todefine an opening for fluid. The one or more contours may be curved,linear, or both. The one or more contours may have a shape similar to aC or U. The one or more contours may include opposing contours. Opposingcontours may allow for ambidextrous use of the beverage receptacle whilepaired with a lid, allow for releasing of aromas of a liquid beveragefrom within the beverage receptacle to a user, or both. For example,when a lid is resting within the beverage receptacle, upon tilting forconsumption, one contour may be adjacent to a user's mouth while theopposing contour is adjacent to a user's nose. Liquid may pass throughthe contour adjacent to the user's mouth. Aromas concentrated in theneck portion may be released through the opposing contour by the user'snose to allow the user to have an enhanced olfactory experience whilestill using a lid. Further, an opposing contour may provide for a vent.The vent may allow steam to be released to avoid pressure buildingwithin the beverage receptacle. The lid may include a seal. The seal maybe located at least partially about a periphery of the lid. The seal maybe located at an under side of the periphery (e.g., around the lidfacing toward an interior of the receptacle beverage).

The beverage receptacle may cooperate with an adapter. The adapter mayfunction to affix the beverage receptacle to one or more standard sizedbeverage holders. The adapter may include a retaining portion and aseating portion. A retaining portion may function to receive thebeverage receptacle, retain the beverage receptacle, or both. Aretaining portion may include a retaining well. A retaining well may bean opening within the retaining portion. The retaining well may includeone or more engagement features to retaining the beverage receptaclewhile preventing movement of the beverage receptacle relative to theretaining portion. The one or more engagement features may include oneor more seals, grooves, interference fit mechanisms, high frictionsurfaces, or any combination thereof. The retaining well may have ashape similar to at least a portion of the beverage receptacle. Theretaining well may have a shape with matching contours to at least aportion of the base, chamber portion, or both. The retaining well mayhave a shape with matching contours of the chamber portion up to thewidest portion of the chamber portion. Extending from the retainingportion may be a seating portion. The seating portion may function tosit within an opening for standard beverage sizes. Exemplary openingsmay include drink holders within a vehicle, a furniture piece (e.g.,sofa, theater seating, camping chair, etc.), The seating portion mayhave a shape substantially similar to a conventional cup holder, such ascylindrical. The seating portion may have a height which allows thereceiving portion to be located adjacent to (e.g., above) the cupholder. The seating portion may have a width smaller than the receivingportion so that the seating portion fits within the conventional cupholder.

Due to the shape of the mug, the flow of the beverage from the beveragereceptacle to a user's mouth can be controlled. The shape of the userlip interface allows the beverage to be directed into the user's mouth.The user may have to tilt the beverage receptacle a greater degree thanwhen using a traditional mug or drinking glass when both are filled thesame distance from the valley or the rim of a traditional mug or glass,thereby giving the user more control over the amount of liquid he or shedrinks and allowing the user to consume his or her beverage even whilein a reclined position, where reclined position is defined as an anglebetween a vertical axis and an axis extending from and through theuser's head, where the angle is about 90 degrees or less. A containerfilled to a height within about 5 mm, about 4 mm, about 3 mm, about 2mm, or about 1 mm below its maximum fill line can be tilted to an angleα up to about up to about 150 degrees, up to about 130 degrees, up toabout 110 degrees, up to about 90 degrees, up to about 45 degrees, or upto about 30 degrees relative to a vertical axis before its liquidcontent will exit the receptacle. Where the liquid is filled to about20% or less of the total height of the chamber portion, to consume theremaining contents (e.g., at the bottom of the beverage receptacle), theuser may tilt the beverage receptacle a minimum of at least about 90degrees relative to a vertical axis (e.g., about 110 degrees or more,about 120 degrees or more, about 135 degrees or more, or about 150degrees or more).

Illustrative Embodiments

The following descriptions of the Figures are provided to illustrate theteachings herein, but are not intended to limit the scope thereof. Oneor more features in one or more Figures may be incorporated with one ormore features shown in other Figures. For example, the height of thevalley 38 in FIG. 5 may be incorporated in the rim portion 30 of FIG. 1.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a beverage receptacle 10.The beverage receptacle 10 includes a base 12. The base 12 allows thebeverage receptacle 10 to rest on a flat and horizontal surface, such asa table (not shown). Extending from the base 12 is a side wall 20. Theside wall 20 extends from the base 12 to a terminus 32. The side wall 20defines a chamber portion 22. The chamber portion 22 is integral with arim portion 30. The rim portion 30 terminates at the terminus 32. Thechamber portion 22 is joined to the rim portion 30 via a neck portion24. The beverage receptacle 10 includes a longitudinal axis LA. Thelongitudinal axis LA is orthogonal to the base 12. The rim portion 30includes opposing user lip interfaces 36. An opening 34 is defined bythe terminus 32 at the rim portion. The opening 34 extends into thehollow interior defined by the side wall 20 and the base 12. Thebeverage holder 10 includes a handle 40. The handle 40 extends away fromthe side wall 20. The handle 40 is located on the side wall 20 betweenthe opposing lip interfaces 36.

FIG. 2 illustrates a user 50 drinking from a beverage receptacle 10 inaccordance with the present teachings. The user 50 is able to drink fromthe beverage receptacle 10 while in a reclined position. The reclinedposition is illustrated by an angle α between an axis extending throughthe user's head relative to a vertical axis VA. The vertical axis VA maybe generally perpendicular to a flat, horizontal surface such as atable. Angle α is about 90 degrees or less.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the beverage receptacle 10 tilted at an angleβ from a vertical axis VA. A liquid 100 resides within the hollowinterior of the beverage receptacle 10. As the beverage receptacle 10 istilted so that the longitudinal axis LA is less than perpendicularrelative to the vertical axis, the liquid 100 approaches the terminus 32at the user lip interface 36. Just before the liquid 100 flows over theterminus 32, the liquid 100 is tangential TI with the terminus 32 at theuser lip interface 36. The radius RL of the liquid 100 from the terminus32 is less than the radius of the lip interface RI. The radius RL of theliquid is about 3 mm to about 30 mm. The radius of the liquid RL isabout 10% to about 75% of the radius RI of the lip interface 36. Theradius of the liquid RL is able to be maintained within the 3mm to about30 mm range, held relatively steady or constant (within +/−15%fluctuation of the radius length) for at least 30% to about 70% of thepour volume. The radius of the liquid may allow for a narrow stream tobe delivered to a user to allow the user better control of consumptionof the liquid 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of the beverage receptacle 10. Thechamber portion 22 is bulbous. The beverage receptacle 10 includes minorwidths. The minor widths are measured transverse to the longitudinalaxis LA and between lip interfaces 36. The minor widths are the distancefrom opposing surfaces of the interior of the side wall 20. The chamberportion 22 has a minor chamber width WMC which expands from a minor basewidth WMB of the base 12. The chamber portion tapers in minor chamberwidth WMC adjacent to the neck portion 24. The neck portion 24 has aminor neck width WMN. The rim portion 30 expands in minor rim width WMRfrom the neck portion 24. The handle 40 extends from the side wall 20 adistance DH, (measured from the side wall to the internal surface of thehandle at its greatest distance). The bottom 42 of the handle 40 issecured to the side wall 20 approximate the base 12 and chamber portion22. The top 44 of the handle 40 is secured to the side wall 20 at ornear a valley 38 of the beverage receptacle, though other configurationsof the handle are possible. The handle 40 as shown is generally theshape of half of a heart, with a rounded or curved portion at the top ofthe handle and a generally straight portion toward the bottom, formingan acute angle h with the side wall 20 at the bottom 42 of the handle40.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the beverage receptacle 10. Thebeverage receptacle 10 has a height HA, measured from the base 12 to thehighest point of the rim portion 30. Each portion of the beveragereceptacle 10 has a height, with the height of the rim portion 30 beingdesignated as HR, the height of the neck portion 24 being designated asHN, and the height of the chamber portion being designated as HC. Thebeverage receptacle 10 includes one or more valleys 38, and asillustrated, there are two generally opposing valleys. The valleys 38have a height HV, and these valleys 38 may have the same height ordifferent heights. The height HV of each valley is measured as thelinear distance from the lowest point of the terminus 32 to the highestand parallel with the longitudinal axis. The beverage receptacle 10includes varying major widths along the receptacle height HA. A majorwidth is measured transverse to the longitudinal axis, between opposinginterior surfaces of the side wall 20, and the opposing interiorsurfaces being aligned with the center of the lip interface 36. The base12 of the receptacle has a major width WB. The chamber portion 22 asillustrated has a generally bulbous shape (though is not limited to sucha shape), having a major width WC measured at its widest part. The neckportion 24 has a major width WN. The neck portion 24 joins the chamberportion 22 with the rim portion 30 to form a generally hourglass shape(though not limited to such a shape), where the major width WN of theneck portion 24 is measured between the innermost points of thehourglass shape. The rim portion 30 has a major width WR, measured fromthe terminus 32 of one user lip interface 36 to the terminus 32 of theopposing user lip interface 36.

FIG. 5 also illustrates one or more angles of one or more portions of aside wall 20 relative to the base 12 and longitudinal axis LA. The sidewall 20 at the chamber portion 22 adjacent to the base 12 extends at anangle δ1 relative to the base and at an angle δ3 relative to thelongitudinal axis LA. At the widest maximum chamber width WC, the sidewall 20 at the chamber portion 22 tapers toward the base 12 at an angleδ2 and toward the longitudinal axis at an angle δ4. The neck portion 24changes contours from tapering inward to expanding outward. At thetransition, a tangent line TL is generally parallel with thelongitudinal axis LA. The side wall 20 at the rim portion 30 extendsaway from the longitudinal axis at an angle γ.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the beverage receptacle 10. Thebeverage receptacle 10 includes a terminus 32 at the end of the rimportion 30. The rim portion 30 angles away from the longitudinal axis LAsuch that an interior surface of the side wall 20 is visible. The rimportion 30 has a generally elliptical shape. The rim portion 30 has amajor rim width WR and a minor rim width WMR. Opposing user lipinterfaces 36 are located at ends of the major rim width WR whileopposing valleys 38 are located at ends of the minor rim width WMR. Ahandle 40 projects from the side wall 20 between the two user lipinterfaces 36.

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of the beverage receptacle 10 and FIG. 8illustrates a cross-section of the beverage receptacle 10 taken alongsection A-A in FIG. 6. The side wall 20 has a thickness T.

FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up view of the cross-section of FIG. 8 at theuser lip interface 36. The interior surface of the side wall 20 extendstoward the terminus 32 with a fairly smooth surface.

FIG. 10 illustrates a series of cross sections taken through FIG. 7illustrating the inner diameter of the chamber portion with the smallestellipse 10A formed at the chamber portion neck with the ellipticalsections becoming greater in both major and minor diameter at increasingheights above section 10A. Both the major and the minor diameter ofellipses 10B-10E are progressively greater than that of the ellipse of10A. The ratio of the ellipse major diameter divided by the ellipseminor diameter progressively increases from sections 10A-10E. Note thatsections 10C, 10D and 10E do not form complete ellipses as the centersection of the ellipse passing through valley 38 are illustrated indotted lines.

FIG. 11 illustrates a second embodiment 50 of the drinking vessel whichis adapted for right-handed user use. This drinking vessel is providedwith a single user lip interface 52 as opposed to two lip interfaces 32shown in the first embodiment. The drinking vessel is otherwise similarin construction to the first embodiment. Of course, the mirror image ofbeverage receptacle 52 could be manufactured for a left-handed user, thehandle located on the left side of the drinking vessel.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front side elevation of a third drinking vesselembodiment. This drinking vessel is the same as drinking vessel 10 inFIGS. 1-10 except for the inclusion of a pair of handles 62 and 64 onthe right and left side of the chamber portion side walls.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a fourth beverage receptacle embodimentspecifically designed to be molded from plastic. The fourth beveragereceptacle embodiment 70 is made of two parts, a lower base part 72 andan upper side wall portion 74 having a handle 76 molded thereto.Preferably, base 72 and side wall 74 are joined together to form anenclosed chamber portion which functions similar to beverage receptacle10. By making the fourth beverage receptacle embodiment out of twopieces, the base and the side wall portion can be injection molded withadequate core draft to enable the chamber portion and handle assembly tobe molded in a four-part mold. An outer A and B mold half parting alongthe handle center line and a two-piece core pulling in oppositedirections parting on the narrow neck portion of the chamber section.The base portion 72 can be made with a simple two-piece A and B mold.

The lower base part 72 and an upper side wall portion 74 can be joinedtogether by friction spin welding, solvent welding or with an adhesive.The lower base part 72 and an upper side wall portion 74 are preferablemade from Tritan® food grade plastic sold by Eastman Chemical Company.

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate a prior art cup 80. FIG. 15A shows the cupfilled a beverage to a typical full level, 10 mm from the top of therim. FIG. 15B shows the cup tipped to a drinking position with thebeverage adjacent the rim. FIG. 15C is a top plan view of the cup ofFIG. 15B. FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate an embodiment of the claimed beveragereceptacle in the full state and in the tipped drinking state. FIG. 7Bis a top plan view of the claimed beverage receptacle of FIG. 16B.Comparing FIG. 15C to FIG. 7B one can see how the claimed beveragereceptacle concentrates the beverage into a narrow stream at the lipwhile the prior art cup presents the beverage at the cup rim at a largeradius slightly smaller than the cup diameter.

As can be appreciated, variations in the above teachings may beemployed. For example, beverage receptacles having different dimensions,different curvatures, different profiles, different cross-sections,different shapes, different dimensional ratios, and the like may allfall within the scope of the teachings herein. The present teachingscontemplate a generally uniform chamber portion as well as a generallyvaried chamber portion. The present teachings contemplate a rim portionthat is generally straight, extending upwardly along the longitudinalaxis of the beverage receptacle. The present teachings also contemplatea rim portion having a curved profile, where the terminus of the rimportion extends radially from the longitudinal axis of the beveragereceptacle. The present teachings contemplate a combination of curvedportions (e.g., a curved user lip interface) with an upwardly extendingportion of the rim portion. The present teachings contemplate beveragereceptacles of different volumes. For example, one beverage receptaclemay have a volume for accommodating a cup of coffee. Another beveragereceptacle, also within the scope of the teachings, may accommodate anentire beer or soda, which is typically served in a larger volume than acup of coffee. Variations to the location, size, shape, number, andplacement of handles are also contemplated. Different combinations andnumbers of features are contemplated. For example, a beverage receptaclewithin the scope of the teachings may have a single user lip interfaceand a single handle. A beverage receptacle within the scope of theteachings may have a single user lip interface with two handles opposingeach other and located on opposite sides of the user lip interface.

The shape, material, and/or thickness of the material forming thebeverage receptacle may be selected to enhance the insulation of thebeverage receptacle (e.g., to keep a beverage hot or cold). For example,the wall thickness may be chosen to hold in the temperature and to keepthe heat or cold from escaping quickly. The opening and/or neck portionmay be narrowed to reduce the area of the opening through which heat orcold can escape into the atmosphere.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all receptacles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of, oreven consisting of, the elements, ingredients, components or steps.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

Relative positional relationships of elements depicted in the drawingsare part of the teachings herein, even if not verbally described.Further, geometries shown in the drawings (though not intended to belimiting) are also within the scope of the teachings, even if notverbally described.

1. A beverage receptacle comprising: a base having a perimeter; anannular side wall projecting from the base, wherein an interior surfaceof the side wall defines: a chamber portion where the side wallcircumscribes the perimeter of the base and includes a hollow interiorwith a side wall interior surface adapted to receive a liquid beverage,and wherein the side wall interior surface adjacent to the base issubstantially circular; a rim portion where the side wall interiorsurface terminates in a rim opposite the base and defines an openingaligned with the hollow interior of the chamber portion, and wherein theside wall interior surface at the rim portion has a substantiallyelliptical cross-section, a neck portion interior surface joining therim portion and the chamber portion, wherein the neck portion interiorsurface has a smaller cross-sectional area than the rim portion at therim; and two user lip interfaces opposing and substantially symmetricalto one another integrated into the rim portion and part of the sidewall, wherein each user lip interface includes: a terminus of the rim;and a slope extending away from a central longitudinal axis configuredto guide a liquid beverage to the terminus upon tilting of the beveragereceptacle; wherein the surface geometry of a section of the sidewallinterior surface from extending from each of the two user lip interfacesto the base is substantially sinusoidal; and wherein the rim portion,including the two user lip interfaces, is adapted for a user to consumethe liquid beverage while the user is in a reclined position.
 2. Thebeverage receptacle of claim 1, wherein the chamber portion side wallinterior surface transitions from the substantially circularcross-section at an enlarged belly region of the chamber to asubstantially elliptical cross-section at a reduced cross-section areaneck region interior surface located above the belly region.
 3. Thebeverage receptacle of claim 2, wherein the substantially ellipticalcross-section of the chamber portion interior surface and the rimportion have a length of a major axis about 1.2 times greater to about 3times less than a length of a minor axis.
 4. The beverage receptacle ofclaim 1, wherein the beverage receptacle includes one or more handlesthat project outwardly away from the side wall and are located betweenthe two user lip interfaces.
 5. The beverage receptacle of claim 4,wherein the two user lip interfaces are adapted so that when thebeverage receptacle is tilted relative to a vertical axis, the liquidbeverage forms a liquid radius tangent with a radius at the terminusbefore flowing over the rim at the user lip interface; and wherein theliquid radius is about 3 mm to about 30 mm.
 6. The beverage receptacleof claim 5, wherein the chamber portion has a volume capacity toretaining the liquid beverage, and the liquid radius remainssubstantially constant during repeated tilting while about 30% orgreater to about 70% or less of the volume capacity is consumed.
 7. Thebeverage receptacle of claim 1, wherein a topography of the rim portionvaries for defining one or more peaks and one or more valleys.
 8. Thebeverage receptacle of claim 7, wherein a terminus of each user lipinterface is at a peak.
 9. The beverage receptacle of claim 7, whereinthe rim portion includes two valleys opposing one another and locatedbetween the two user lip interfaces.
 10. The beverage receptacleaccording to claim 7, wherein a height of the one or more valleysrelative to the base defines a maximum fill of the beverage receptacle.11. The beverage receptacle according to claim 7, wherein the one ormore valleys have a shape which is generally sinusoidally concave. 12.The beverage receptacle of any of claim 1, wherein the chamber portionhas a volume of about 200 mL to about 1000 mL.
 13. The beveragereceptacle of claim 2, wherein the chamber portion angles away from thebase at an angle of about 5-70 degrees relative to a vertical axis; andwherein the chamber portion angles toward the longitudinal axis in aregion between the belly and the neck region at an angle of about 5-30degrees in right side elevational view.
 14. The beverage receptacle ofclaim 1, wherein the wall adjacent each user lip interface angles awayfrom the major axis at an angle of about 5-50 degrees.
 15. A method ofdrinking a beverage assuming a reclined position including tilting thereceptacle of claim 1 to cause the liquid beverage to pass from thechamber portion to the user by way of the user lip interface portion.16. A beverage receptacle comprising: a base having a perimeterextending about a central axis; an annular side wall projecting from thebase, wherein the annular side wall has a front surface generally facinga user, an opposed rear surface and right and left side surfaces whichcollectively define: a chamber portion where the side wall interiorsurface circumscribes the perimeter of the base and includes a hollowinterior adapted to receive a liquid beverage, and wherein the side wallinterior surface adjacent to the base is substantially circular; a rimportion located where the annular side wall terminates in a rim oppositethe base, defining an opening aligned with the central axis, and whereina front rim portion forms an end section of an ellipse in plan view,with the rim ellipse having a center aligned with the central axis and amajor axis extending front to rear normal to the central axis, anenlarged cross-section belly portion interior surface located above thebase a reduced cross-section elliptical neck portion interior surfacebetween the belly portion and the rim portion, wherein the neck portioninterior surface has a smaller cross-sectional area than the rim portioninterior surface ellipse; and at least one user lip interface formed bythe front rim portion, wherein the at least one user lip interfaceincludes: a terminus of the rim; and a sloped wall section extendingaway from the terminus of the rim and inclined relative to the majoraxis to guide a liquid beverage to the terminus of the rim upon tiltingof the beverage receptacle; wherein the surface geometry of a front sidewall portion interior surface, from the terminus to the base, issubstantially sinusoidal in side view.
 17. The beverage receptacle ofclaim 16, wherein the enlarged cross-section belly portion is generallycircular.
 18. The beverage receptacle of claim 16, whereincross-sections of the chamber portion interior surface, forms ellipseshaving a major axis length which progressively increases at least 20%from the elliptical neck portion to the rim.
 19. The beverage receptacleof claim 18, wherein the cross-section of the chamber portion interiorsurface at the elliptical neck portion has a major axis to minor axisratio that is less than 80% of the major axis to minor axis ratio of therim ellipse.
 20. The beverage receptacle of claim 19, wherein a rimportion defines a rear rim portion which forms an end section of the rimellipse spaced from the front ellipse section by a valley formed in therim which is sinusoidal in shape in right side view.